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Tuesday, 20 June 2017

12 Ideas for the Ultimate Staycation Weekend at Home

Summer is here!

I know everyone doesn’t have a budget for a big blowout summer vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a staycation in your own city. When I have a weekend at home, I like to planning a whole weekend of activities like a tourist in a new city.

I’m not going to lie.

I’ve been craving just being at home lately. We’ve been going up to our airbnb in Lincoln City almost every weekend for three months, that I don’t even feel like I live in Portland sometimes.

I just want to be at home, exploring my own city and doing all the the things I’ve been meaning to do. If you have this feeling or just need an excuse to finally get out and explore more – here’s what I suggest for planning your own ultimate staycation weekend in your city:

FRIDAY

6 PM – Book Dinner Out

Nothing says vacation time then a dinner out that you can look forward to all week. Choose a new restaurant that you’ve never been to before and enjoy a new food experience.

8 PM – Go See a Show

Paul loves to go to comedy nights and sketch shows. So we’re always heading to Second City when we’re back in Toronto. Book tickets for a touring Broadway show, a stand-up night, a sketch comedy show or concert to make your staycation extra special!

10 PM – Drinks with Friends at a Cocktail Bar

Find a fancy cocktail bar in your city and meet-up with friends for that long overdue catch-up sesh and a nightcap.

SATURDAY

8 AM – Go for a Hike or Fun Workout

Find a local trail or park and go for a hike! If it’s too cold or rainy to be outside, try a hot yoga class or a new workout class to get yourself re-centered.

10 AM – Try a New Brunch Spot

I’m guilty of going to the same places over and over again. Use your staycation weekend as an excuse to try all new foods in all new places. Bookmark a restaurant now that you’ve been meaning to try and it to your staycation vacation when you’re ready.

12 PM – Go Shopping in an Unfamiliar Neighbourhood

There are certain neighbourhoods I’ve spent a lot of time in, but there are a few that are a little further away that are easier to get to on the weekends. Do a bit of research and hit up an unfamiliar to you neighbourhood and check out all the local shops.

Check your local events calendar and see if there are any street festivals going on as well.

4 PM – Get a Pedicure

After all that walking, your feet will likely want a massage. Book in for a pedicure and some down time for you to do nothing and relax.

6 PM – Take a Cooking Class for Dinner

Instead of hitting up another restaurant, look up a local cooking studio and sign-up for a cooking class! You’ll come away from the weekend learning something new.

BONUS Idea – Book a one night stay at a local hotel tonight you’ve been dying to stay at and make full use of the fitness centre and lounging by the pool.

SUNDAY

8 AM – Order Breakfast in Bed

Just because room service doesn’t exist at home, doesn’t mean you can’t order your breakfast from bed. Check out Uber Eats or Grub Hub for local brunch delivery.

10 AM – Visit a Local Art Gallery or Museum

Be a tourist in your own city and visit a gallery or museum you’ve never been to before.

4 PM – Hit the Spa + Book a Massage

Wind down your weekend staycation with some down time at a local spa and a massage to get you relaxed and recharged before the start of another week.

6 PM – Dinner + A Movie

Don’t let the weekend end early! I try to get out to a movie on a Sunday night and go for a casual dinner at the theatre or just beforehand.